EPHRATA — Grant County Public Works Director Sam Castro resigned and will complete his last day Friday, according to Grant County Commissioners Danny Stone and Cindy Carter.  

“Sam, in my opinion, is an excellent, excellent leader, somebody who just really helped our Public Works move forward (with) excellent initiatives with restructuring and the opportunities he gave for those that were under him to take leadership roles and move forward initiatives,” Stone said. “I think he was a leader that was willing to delegate and utilize his valuable employees to their max.” 

Castro began as the public works director during 2020, and Carter said she remembers she didn’t meet him in person until months later because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both commissioners said they have heard rumors on where Castro is going but nothing has been confirmed.  

Grant County has begun the search for a new Public Works director on its website, internally and using a hiring company, Stone said. However, Andy Booth, the assistant public works director, will be fulfilling the responsibilities until a new director is hired.  

“It’s a big part of the commissioners' job working with infrastructure,” Carter said. “We are going to miss him, but I wish him luck with his next job. I hope we will continue our working relationship if he stays in the county.”